Sandy City Honors Former Councilmember Dennis Tenney for 28 Years of Service

Jan 26, 2016 03:14PM
● By Stacy Nielsen

By Stacy Nielsen | Stacy@mycityjournals.com

Sandy - Sandy City honored former councilmember Dennis Tenney for his 28 years of service. Tenney was first elected in November 1987 to serve District 2 and continued to represent the district until this last election when Maren Barker won the seat.

Tenney is a graduate from Brigham Young University with a degree in Latin American studies and political science. He received a master’s degree from the American Thunderbird School of International Management and by trade is an international business consultant.

He was honored for his accomplishments and years of service to city by his peers and by his family this past January.

“I have learned so much from you, and really do appreciate and love you,” council chair Kris Nichol said.

“I don’t think anyone has tried harder to react to the concerns and the requests of the residents of Sandy as Dennis has. He has been on one side of an issue until his constituents came out and changed his mind. We have appreciated his example and his ability to try to take care of people,” councilmember Steve Fairbanks said

“You have been a mentor, and someone I looked up to and admired. I hope to use those lessons in my next four years,” councilmember Chris McCandless said.

“I want you to know that Dennis is probably one of the closest friends I had on the council, and he has been a great liaison for the Sandy Club,” councilmember Saville said.

“I appreciate [Tenney’s] passion for constituents and have seen you bend over backwards to try to help, even one,” office director Mike Applegarth said.

Amanda, Tenney’s daughter was only seven when her dad first sat on the council.

“I remember when I was in college that I was so into the news and into politics. My dad always taught us to be true to who we were and to stand for what we believed in.”

“I am so grateful to him. He was never afraid to be the lone vote, even if it wasn’t the most politically correct. He wanted to do what was right for the constituents and for the city. I am thankful for his lifelong service and example,” Matt Tenney said.

“I can’t imagine anyone doing it as thoroughly as my dad has done it – having some sense of what it means to be a public servant,” Ryan Tenney said.

“We admire and appreciate Dennis over the years. He has been a true supporter of mine. He’s our economic development guru. He’s the guy who understands the economic programs we have tried to develop in the city,” Mayor Tom Dolan said as he presented Tenney with a key to the city.

The outpouring of love and support for Tenney was expressed by nearly all in attendance and also the expression of gratitude to Tenney’s wife, Sandy. Councilmember Scott Cowdell honored Tenney’s wife for her support and sacrifice over the years.

“I don’t know how to say, if I had to describe in one or two words my experience with city council it would be gratitude. I am thankful for each one of you. I credit our mayor for establishing an environment where we can work together. I can name each one of you and say thank you, you are all my superiors in so many ways,” Tenney said reminding council that “what we do has a greater impact on other people than what we say, and we each have an opportunity to make a difference.”

“I am so grateful to each of you for your kindness and your goodness to me and to my family. I will miss you deeply.” Tenney said.